February 20, 2011

Ohio Holds On To Defeat Winthrop In Overtime


Ohio is finally back over .500 for the season. It has been a mark that the Bobcats have been reaching for ever since falling to Robert Morris to end their non-conference season at 7-7.

They have had many down moments this season and have fallen as low as 8-11 overall. But as of late, Ohio has been playing better ball. They have won six of their last eight games to get themselves over .500 and re-establish themselves as MAC contenders.

The victory that put Ohio back over .500 was a 77-74 overtime victory over Winthrop.

Ohio dominated early as they got off to a 26-6 lead 10 minutes into the first half. Everything was clicking for Ohio on offense and defense as they couldn't be stopped.

But then, the second part of the first half was the exact opposite.

Ohio only scored four points in the final 10 minutes of the first half as they let Winthrop quickly comeback in the game.

The game entered halftime with Ohio up 30-25.

In the second half, Ohio got off to another hot start.

They extended to their lead to as much as 13 points when DeVaughn Washington made a jumper a little over three minutes into the second half.

But then, Winthrop started coming back just as they did in the first half.

Ohio blew a six-point lead with three minutes remaining in the second half and the game would enter overtime tied at 64-64.

D.J. Cooper was huge in the overtime period as he scored all eight points of his points in overtime to lead the Bobcats to victory.

Winthrop had a chance to tie the game with with four seconds remaining in overtime but Andre Jones missed a three pointer and Ohio would grab the rebound as they went on to win 77-74.

DeVaughn Washington and Tommy Freeman both had big games in the Bobcats victory.

Washington went for a season high 25 points and also grabbed 8 rebounds.

Freeman went for 21 points going 7-11 from behind the arc.

D.J. Cooper had 8 assists in the game.

The win doesn't really do much for Ohio in the standings. The game wasn't really significant as it was a non-conference game and doesn't impact Ohio in the MAC standings.

Also, since both teams have similar rpi's Ohio won't move up that much in the rpi rankings.

However, a win is a win. Ohio moves to 14-13 with the win and next plays February 23rd vs. Bowling Green.


Attendance: 1,543
Ohio's Record: 14-13 (6-6)
Next Game: February 23rd vs. Bowling Green
Interesting Note: Winthrop never led in the game
Key Stat: Washington and Freeman combined for 46 points

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